Press Release: 8/19/2026

The City of Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall

Salem City NewsPosted on August 18, 2026

In celebration of Salem 400+, the City of Salem’s quadricentennial commemorations occurring throughout 2026, Mayor Dominick Pangallo is pleased to announce that the City will be restoring the grand wood entrance doors at City Hall.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Greek Revival style City Hall was constructed in 1837 and is one of the City’s most impressive and historic landmarks, and one of the oldest continuously operating City Halls in the United States. The building's double doors have lost their protective finish over time, and the wood is exhibiting cracks, splits at the joints, and discoloration. Jeremy Campbell of CVC Installations, a restoration carpenter, will remove the doors for transport to his studio where he will gently remove remaining finish, repair and consolidate wood where necessary, and add several layers of protective varnish. The door hardware will also be gently cleaned and polished to retain its historic patina. The doors are expected to be removed by Wednesday, August 19 and will be under repair for several weeks, during which time the entrance will remain open during regular business hours. The doors are expected to return to City Hall and be reinstalled by October of 2026.

“For nearly two centuries, the doors of Salem City Hall have stood at the heart of civic life, and have been a point of welcome for generations of Salem residents, businesses, and visitors, often on especially significant days in their lives,” said Mayor Pangallo, “As we mark Salem 400+, this restoration project is a meaningful investment in preserving our shared history and ensuring that this remarkable building remains a source of pride and civic engagement for years to come. I’m grateful for the support of Salem City staff, the Community Preservation Act and our preservation partners in helping us care for this important piece of Salem’s history.”

The project has Salem Historical Commission and Massachusetts Historical Commission approval. Funding for this project is made possible through CPA funds and available CIP funding.

To learn more about the wide variety of improvement projects, creative initiatives and community celebrations associated with Salem 400+, visit salem400.org.